Animal handling device

ABSTRACT

Described herein is an animal handling device in the form of a cattle crush with automated headbail capture, back bar operation and positional sensing along with methods of use thereof. The crush and method offer automation for functions that in the art have been largely manual and inherently labour intensive, physical and even potentially dangerous for the operator and/or animal.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application derives priority from New Zealand patent applicationnumber 758535 incorporated herein by reference available via WIPO DAScode B2EA.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Described herein is an animal handling device. More specifically, acattle crush is described with automated headbail capture, back baroperation and positional sensing along with methods of use thereof.

BACKGROUND ART

An animal handling device or a crush as it is otherwise often termedgenerally comprises a pen with walls, an entrance and an exit throughwhich an animal passes. The crush may comprise a constricting apparatus,typically with a wall or walls that restrain sideways movement of theanimal. The entrance and exit of the crush may comprise barriers toallow entry into, containment and exit from the crush space. The crushexit may comprise a headbail comprising two opposing barriers that movefrom an open position with a gap between the barriers to a closedposition where the gap is narrowed. In use, as an animal moves theirhead through the open barriers, the barriers are then manually movedtogether, the barrier edges meeting the animal's neck from either sideand restraining the animal from moving forwards or backwards.

A crush may be used for treating cattle arriving at a feedlot and whichare to undergo induction. The induction process may involve herding thecattle through holding pens and laneways into a crush where the animalsmay be ear-tagged, assessed, treated, weighed, recorded and/or drafted.The process is labour intensive, physical and, at times, dangerous forboth the operator and animal.

Handling of animals in a crush can be difficult. Animals can becomeconfused and agitated, stop, move backwards, bunch, and/or climb overeach other along the lanes leading to the crush. Once in the crushanimals may be caught in the headbail with heads and necks under thehead bail resulting in delays as the animal is released, the head raisedand then secured correctly in the headbail. Animals may not beadequately restrained and animal legs may slip on the floor/ground oranimals may move around causing issues for the operator, e.g. in tryingto perform one of the above steps in relation to the animal, such asadministering a medicament such as an injection.

Reference is made to a cattle crush hereafter, this being an animalhandling device specifically designed to restrain cattle therein. Theterm ‘crush’ is used in the context of the pen imposing a sideways crushforce on the animal of sufficient strength to restrain animal movement,typically as noted above using one or more walls that move togetheragainst the animal side to restrain the animal. Reference to cattle maybe important in terms of the device design, function and operation butcould be altered to suit other animals and reference to cattle shouldnot be seen as limiting.

Critical to the design of the unit is the ease of use and ability of theunit to restrain the animal and to do so in a humane manner. Thistypically means use of robust materials, simple but functional designand low noise of operation. For large herds, the speed of operation andability to automate processing also may be important. Automatinghandling may, for example, reduce the number of people needed to operatea cattle crush and hence reduce labour costs. Automation may alsoincrease cattle crush reliability for large herds and sustained use.

A crush may also include a so-called back bar to prevent rearwardmovement of the animal contained within the crush. A back bar may be anelongated member placed across the rear of the animal and which engagesholding clips on the crush walls. Art back bars are manually operated.

Further aspects and advantages of the animal handling device will becomeapparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of exampleonly.

SUMMARY

Described herein is an animal handling device in the form of a cattlecrush with automated headbail capture, back bar operation and positionalsensing along with methods of use thereof. The crush and method offerautomation for functions that in the art have been largely manual andinherently labour intensive, physical and even potentially dangerous forthe operator and/or animal.

In a first aspect, there is provided an animal crush comprising:

-   -   an enclosure defined by opposing side walls, an animal crush        entry and, distant to the animal crush entry, a headbail        comprising a pair of opposing barriers;    -   wherein the headbail barriers are configured to move between:        -   a fully open position where the barriers are open to an            extent that the barriers do not block movement of an animal            through the barriers;        -   a closed position that imposes sufficient force on the            animal's neck positioned between the barriers to capture the            animal and prevent animal movement forwards or backwards;            and        -   a variable position, the barriers separated by a variable            distance, the variable distance being a separation distance            intermediate the open and closed positions;    -   wherein the distance between the barriers in the variable        position is determined by a controller, the controller receiving        data on animal characteristics and, in response to the animal        characteristic data, setting the variable position barrier        separation distance via at least one actuator; and    -   when an animal is sensed proximate the headbail barriers, the        controller causes actuation of the barriers to close from the        variable position to the closed position to capture the animal        within the headbail barriers.

In a second aspect, there is provided a method of restraining an animalvia the animal crush substantially as described above, wherein, in use:

-   -   animal characteristics data is provided to the controller and        the controller sets the headbail barriers to the variable        position;    -   an animal is herded into a holding pen and along a race, the        race directing an animal into the animal crush;    -   the animal enters the animal crush and, when proximate the        barriers, the controller causes actuation of the barriers to        close from the variable position to the closed position to        capture the animal within the headbail barriers.

In a third aspect, there is provided an animal crush comprising:

-   -   an enclosure defined by opposing side walls, a crush entry and,        distant to the crush entry, a headbail comprising a pair of        opposing barriers;    -   wherein the headbail barriers are configured to move between an        open position that allows an animal to at least partly move        through the barriers and a closed position that imposes        sufficient force on the animal's neck positioned between the        barriers to capture the animal and prevent animal movement        forwards or backwards; and    -   at least one backbar, the backbar or backbars configured to        automatically move in response to a signal from an animal        position sensor from a retracted position to an animal urging        position behind an animal to urge the animal forwards through        the animal crush towards the headbail barriers.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of restraining an animalvia the animal crush substantially as described above wherein, in use:

-   -   an animal is herded into a holding pen and along a race, the        race directing an animal into the animal crush;    -   as the animal enters the animal crush the animal sensor senses        animal movement and actuates movement of the backbar from the        retracted position to the animal urging position.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided an animal crush comprising:

-   -   an enclosure defined by opposing side walls, a crush entry and,        distant to the crush entry, a headbail comprising a pair of        opposing barriers;    -   wherein the headbail barriers are configured to move between an        open position that allows an animal to at least partly move        through the barriers and a closed position that imposes        sufficient force on the animal's neck positioned between the        barriers to capture the animal and prevent animal movement        forwards or backwards; and    -   multiple load cells located in varying positions about an animal        crush base, the load cells configured to sense animal weight        thereon and providing measured weight and load cell location to        a controller, the controller then calculating the animal        position on the animal crush base based on combined measured        weights and the load cell positions;    -   the measured animal position is used to identify when an animal        on the animal crush is proximate the headbail barriers and, at        this measured point, actuating the headbail barriers to move to        a closed position from a variable position to capture the animal        between the barriers.

In a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of restraining an animalvia the animal crush substantially as described above wherein, in use:

-   -   an animal is herded into a holding pen and along a race, the        race directing an animal into the animal crush;    -   as the animal enters the animal crush, the load cells sense a        change in load on the animal crush base and provide measured        weight and load cell location to a controller, the controller        then calculating the animal position on the animal crush base        based on the combined measured weights and the load cell        positions;    -   the measured animal position used to identify when an animal on        the animal crush is proximate the headbail barriers and, at this        measured point, actuating the headbail barriers to move to a        closed position from a variable position to capture the animal        between the barriers.

In a seventh aspect, there is provided an animal crush comprising:

-   -   an enclosure defined by opposing side walls, an animal crush        entry and, distant to the animal crush entry, a headbail        comprising a pair of opposing barriers;    -   wherein the headbail barriers are configured to move between:        -   an open position where the barriers are open to an extent            that the barriers do not block movement of an animal through            the barriers;        -   a closed position that imposes sufficient force on the            animal's neck positioned between the barriers to capture the            animal and prevent animal movement forwards or backwards;            and        -   a variable position, the barriers separated by a variable            distance, the variable distance being a separation distance            intermediate the open and closed positions;    -   wherein the distance between the barriers in the variable        position is determined by a controller, the controller receiving        data on animal characteristics and, in response to the animal        characteristics data, setting the variable position distance        between the barriers via at least one actuator; and    -   wherein the animal crush further comprises at least one backbar        that is configured to automatically move in response to a signal        from an animal position sensor from a retracted position to an        animal urging position behind an animal to urge the animal        forwards through the animal crush towards the headbail barriers;        and    -   wherein the animal position sensor comprises multiple load cells        located in varying positions about an animal crush base, the        load cells configured to sense animal weight thereon and        providing measured weights and load cell locations to a        controller, the controller then calculating the animal position        on the animal crush base based on the combined measured weights        and load cell positions; and    -   wherein the measured animal position is used to identify when an        animal on the animal crush is proximate the headbail barriers        and, at this measured point, actuating the headbail barriers to        move to the closed position from the variable position to        capture the animal between the barriers.

In an eighth aspect, there is provided a method of restraining an animalvia the animal crush substantially as described above wherein, in use:

-   -   animal size data is provided to the controller and the        controller sets the headbail barriers to the variable position        distance between the barriers;    -   an animal is herded into a holding pen and along a race, the        race directing an animal into the animal crush;    -   as the animal enters the animal crush, the load cells sense a        change in load on the animal crush base and provide measured        weights and load cell locations to a controller, the controller        then calculating the animal position on the animal crush base        based on the combined measured weights and load cell positions;    -   the measured animal position used to:        -   actuate the backbar from a retracted position to an animal            urging position behind an animal to urge the animal forwards            through the animal crush and towards the headbail barriers;            and        -   identify when an animal on the animal crush is proximate the            headbail barriers and, at this measured point, actuating the            headbail barriers to a closed position from the variable            position to capture the animal between the barriers.

As may be realised from the above summary, the animal handling devicesand methods described herein provide automation to otherwise manualoperations and may therefore aid in animal handling operationspotentially speeding operation, reduce labour and physical requirementsfor the handling process and increasing safety for both the operator andanimal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the animal handling device will become apparent fromthe following description that is given by way of example only and withreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an art animal crush shown fromthe headbail end of the animal crush art with headbail barriers in afully open position;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an art animal crush shown fromthe headbail end of the animal crush art with headbail barriers in afully closed position;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an art animal crush shown fromthe headbail end of the animal crush art with headbail barriers in apartly closed position;

FIG. 4 illustrates an animal crush in one embodiment described hereinfrom a headbail end view with the barriers in a fully open position alsoshowing separately a dial position and related potentiometer reading;

FIG. 5 illustrates an animal crush in one embodiment described hereinfrom a headbail end view with the barriers in a fully closed positionalso showing separately a dial position and related potentiometerreading;

FIG. 6 illustrates an animal crush in one embodiment described hereinfrom a headbail end view with the barriers in a first variable positionalso showing separately a dial position and related potentiometerreading;

FIG. 7 illustrates an animal crush in one embodiment described hereinfrom a headbail end view with the barriers in a second variable positionalso showing separately a dial position and related potentiometerreading;

FIG. 8 illustrates an animal crush in one embodiment described hereinfrom a headbail end view with the barriers in a third variable positionalso showing separately a dial position and related potentiometerreading;

FIG. 9 illustrates a plan view of a first embodiment of an automaticback bar embodiment for the animal crush described herein;

FIG. 10 illustrates a plan view of a second embodiment of an automaticback bar embodiment for the animal crush described herein with a cowshown entering the animal crush prior to backbar actuation;

FIG. 11 illustrates a plan view of a second embodiment of an automaticback bar embodiment for the animal crush described herein with a cowshown moving forward in the animal crush backbar actuation commencing;

FIG. 12 illustrates a plan view of a second embodiment of an automaticback bar embodiment for the animal crush described herein with a cowshown captured between headbail barriers, the animal crush backbarspreventing reverse movement by the cow;

FIG. 13 illustrates a plan view of a second embodiment of an automaticback bar embodiment for the animal crush described herein with a cowshown moving forwards through the headbail barriers post opening of thebarriers, the animal crush backbars urging movement by the cow throughthe barriers;

FIG. 14 illustrates a plan view of a second embodiment of an automaticback bar embodiment for the animal crush described herein with a cowshown exiting the animal crush, the animal crush backbars in a maximumforwards position;

FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic side view of an animal positional sensorsystem with no animal on the crush base;

FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic side view of an animal positional sensorsystem with an animal mounting the crush base;

FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic side view of an animal positional sensorsystem with an animal on the crush base and a second animal ‘tailgating’ the first animal;

FIG. 18 illustrates a schematic side view of an animal positional sensorsystem with an animal centred on the crush base;

FIG. 19 illustrates a schematic side view of an animal positional sensorsystem with an animal exiting the crush base and a next animal on thecrush base; and

FIG. 20 illustrates a schematic side view of an animal positional sensorsystem with an animal exiting the crush base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As noted above, described herein is an animal handling device in theform of a cattle crush with automated headbail capture, back baroperation and positional sensing along with methods of use thereof. Thecrush and method offer automation for functions that in the art havebeen largely manual and inherently labour intensive, physical and evenpotentially dangerous for the operator and/or animal.

For ease of description, the term ‘cattle crush’ or ‘crush’ is used tointerchangeably herein to refer to the animal handling device. Referenceto a cattle crush should not be seen as limiting since the device withminor changes in for example size, could be used for other applicationse.g. to restrain movement of sheep, deer or other livestock.

For the purposes of this specification, the term ‘about’ or‘approximately’ and grammatical variations thereof mean a quantity,level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size,amount, weight or length that varies by as much as 30, 25, 20, 15, 10,9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1% to a reference quantity, level, degree,value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight orlength.

The term ‘substantially’ or grammatical variations thereof refers to atleast about 50%, for example 75%, 85%, 95% or 98%.

The term ‘comprise’ and grammatical variations thereof shall have aninclusive meaning—i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of notonly the listed components it directly references, but also othernon-specified components or elements.

Automated Barriers

In a first aspect, there is provided an animal crush comprising:

-   -   an enclosure defined by opposing side walls, an animal crush        entry and, distant to the animal crush entry, a headbail        comprising a pair of opposing barriers;    -   wherein the headbail barriers are configured to move between:        -   a fully open position where the barriers are open to an            extent that the barriers do not block movement of an animal            through the barriers;        -   a closed position that imposes sufficient force on the            animal's neck positioned between the barriers to capture the            animal and prevent animal movement forwards or backwards;            and        -   a variable position, the barriers separated by a variable            distance, the variable distance being a separation distance            intermediate the open and closed positions;    -   wherein the distance between the barriers in the variable        position is determined by a controller, the controller receiving        data on animal characteristics and, in response to the animal        characteristic data, setting the variable position barrier        separation distance via at least one actuator; and    -   when an animal is sensed proximate the headbail barriers, the        controller causes actuation of the barriers to close from the        variable position to the closed position to capture the animal        within the headbail barriers.

In a second aspect, there is provided a method of restraining an animalvia the animal crush substantially as described above, wherein, in use:

-   -   animal characteristics data is provided to the controller and        the controller sets the headbail barriers to the variable        position;    -   an animal is herded into a holding pen and along a race, the        race directing an animal into the animal crush;    -   the animal enters the animal crush and, when proximate the        barriers, the controller causes actuation of the barriers to        close from the variable position to the closed position to        capture the animal within the headbail barriers.

Barrier Closed and Open Position

The closed position is a point at which the barriers have a reduceddistance of separation and is a position that holds/restrains theanimal. This may be the closest point that the barriers may move to or aseparation distance slightly wider than this closest position. The exactclosed position may be somewhat variable depending on the animal necksize. The act of the barriers moving from a variable position to aclosed position is referred herein to catching or capture. Oncecaptured, the animal is held or restrained in place until the barriersare opened.

The fully open position may typically be a position where the barriersare withdrawn in part or in full so as to allow an animal unrestrictedmovement past the barriers. In this embodiment, the barriers retreatback towards or even beyond the walls of the animal crush so that theydo not impede animal movement. Typically, when the barriers open, theanimal will tend to move forwards from the animal crush away from theanimal crush entry. In an alternative embodiment, when the barriersopen, the animal may move backwards to exit the animal crush via theentry to the animal crush. In this embodiment, beyond the barriers maybe a wall or gate that impedes animal movement forwards.

Variable Position Spacing and Animal Size

As noted above, the variable position is a position where the barriersare partly open but not fully open so as to allow unimpeded movementthrough the headbail by an animal. The barrier separation distance isalso not so narrow as to abut or bear on an animal. In one embodiment,the variable position refers to a barrier separation distancecorresponding at least substantially to the width of an animal head andat least part of the animal neck—that is, when in the variable position,an animal entering the animal crush can see the exit beyond the barriersand the animal head and at least part of the animal neck can fit throughthe barriers when in the variable position. In the variable position,the barrier separation distance may be less than the width of the animalshoulders. In the variable position, the barrier separation distance maybe equal to or greater than the width of an animal head and equal to orless than the width of the animal shoulders.

As may be appreciated the exact distance of separation of the barrierswhen in the variable position may vary. Using cattle as one example,cattle vary in head, neck and shoulder width based on age e.g. calvesare narrower generally than adult cattle. Cattle may vary in size by sexe.g. males tend to be larger than females. Degree of nourishment mayalso vary animal size. An aim of the automated animal crush describedmay be to allow for variations in animal or animal mob size and hencepre-set the barriers to an optimum variable position that is best readyto engage and capture an animal as it passes through the barriers. Ifthe opening is too large, incorrect capture may occur with barrierclosing lagging animal speed and hence not capturing the animal aboutthe animal neck. Similarly, if the opening is too small, the animal willnot see an escape route and hence not want to move forwards and hencenot be caught by the barriers. A further complication in animal capturemay be the fact that the animal may be moving as they are captured,sometimes with considerable speed and/force hence speed and accuracy oftiming of capture is critical hence the value of a variable position atan optimum position.

Typically in the art, the crush user will either not use a variableposition at all moving the barriers manually from a fully open to aclosed position e.g. via a lever. Alternatively, a crush user may partlyclose the barriers via the manual lever and attempt to catch the animalby manually moving the lever to close the barriers at the right time. Ifa part closed barrier is used, this distance is usually based on a mobsize as it is too hard to constantly check and vary the separationdistance in manual operations.

Automation of the barriers may control movement to a closed positionwhen an animal is detected and may return the barriers to the same partopen position once the animal is released. Automated barrier variableposition greatly improves the rate of success of catching the animal andremoves significant labour requirements plus increases safety for boththe animal and user by limiting the degree of interaction between peopleand animals and moving parts and the user.

Individual Animal or Mob

The animal size data used by the controller to set the variable positionof the barriers for a particular animal may include information aboutthe individual particular animal. The barrier separation distance in thevariable position may vary between each animal based on measuredindividual animal characteristics selected from: animal shape; animalsize; animal age; animal species; animal weight; animal sex; animal bodycondition score (BCS); animal ID tag; and combinations thereof. In thisembodiment, the barrier variable position is re-calculated for eachanimal that passes through the animal crush.

In an alternative embodiment, the animal size data used by thecontroller to set the variable position of the barriers may includeinformation about a mob of animals. For the purposes of thisspecification, a ‘mob’ refers to two or more animals or a group of twoor more animals, animals in the mob passing one by one through theanimal crush. The barrier separation distance in the variable positionmay vary between each mob of animals based on measured mob animalcharacteristics selected from: animal shape; animal size; animal age;animal species; animal weight; animal sex; animal body condition score(BCS); animal ID tag; and combinations thereof.

The information about the individual animal or mob of animals notedabove may be used to datum the barrier open and/or closed positionswithin a range of positions possible to provide an animal optimised openposition and/or closed position.

Distance Sensing

The distance between the barriers in the open and/or closed and/orvariable positions may be sensed via a potentiometer and the controllerthat receives the sensed data may adjust the open position, and/orvariable position, and/or closed position to a pre-programmedpotentiometer reading corresponding to the required barrier position.

Animal Detection

The one or more sensors may also sense the presence of an animal and thecontroller may automatically cause actuation and barrier movement from avariable position to a closed position in response to sensing of thepresence of an animal.

Head Position Adjustment

The headbail may comprise an automatic head position adjustor to alterthe head opening position between the barriers. Adjustment in positionmay for example by up or down relative to the animal crush base.Adjustment up and down may be helpful to adjust the barriers to catchanimals of varying size and height and/or to catch animals where thehead position is not neutral i.e. head up or head down alignmentrelative to a neutral neck and head position.

Yoke

Each of the pair of barriers may include a yoke region (bent or bulgeregion) intermediate the top and bottom of the barrier, the yoke regionsaligning in the closed position to form an opening between the barrierswith a shape and form that complements the shape of the neck region ofan animal to be restrained within the headbail. The presence of a yokeregion is not always required and some art non-automated head baildevices have no yoke region and instead have straight sided barriers.

Backbar

In a third aspect, there is provided an animal crush comprising:

-   -   an enclosure defined by opposing side walls, a crush entry and,        distant to the crush entry, a headbail comprising a pair of        opposing barriers;    -   wherein the headbail barriers are configured to move between an        open position that allows an animal to at least partly move        through the barriers and a closed position that imposes        sufficient force on the animal's neck positioned between the        barriers to capture the animal and prevent animal movement        forwards or backwards; and    -   at least one backbar, the backbar or backbars configured to        automatically move in response to a signal from an animal        position sensor from a retracted position to an animal urging        position behind an animal to urge the animal forwards through        the animal crush towards the headbail barriers.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of restraining an animalvia the animal crush substantially as described above wherein, in use:

-   -   an animal is herded into a holding pen and along a race, the        race directing an animal into the animal crush;    -   as the animal enters the animal crush the animal sensor senses        animal movement and actuates movement of the backbar from the        retracted position to the animal urging position.

While a back bar such as a manually moved pipe is known, automating backbar movement, particularly with respect to a head bail apparatus, is notused in the inventor's experience. Automation of crush aspects may be anadvantage to allow an operator to not approach the animal or crush.Automation of the back bar may also encourage more controlled animalmovement and hence better coordination between the head bail capture andback bar movement causing animal movement.

Backbar Movement

The at least one backbar in the retracted position may be located on aor the side wall or walls of the animal crush. The at least one backbarmay pivot from the side wall or walls of the animal crush.

In a retracted position, the at least one backbar may not interfere withmovement of an animal past the retracted at least one backbar.

The at least one backbar may be configured to move along the animalcrush longitudinal axis while the at least one backbar is in an animalurging position and/or while the at least one backbar moves to theanimal urging position.

Movement of the at least one backbar along the animal crush longitudinalaxis may for example be provided by a carriage or rail mechanism.

Backbar Actuation

The animal crush may include one or more sensors, the one or moresensors activating the at least one backbar to move from the retractedposition to the animal urging position. In this embodiment, the one ormore sensors may be mounted above the crush and may detect animalmovement below the one or more sensors.

The one or more sensors may be mounted above the animal crush. Acontroller may receive the sensed signal and activate backbar movementas the animal passes at least one of the one or more sensors.

Two Backbars

In one embodiment, the animal crush may comprise two backbars, eachbackbar mounted about the walls of the animal crush and configured tomove in synchronisation together to urge the animal forwards.

Positional Sensing

In a fifth aspect, there is provided an animal crush comprising:

-   -   an enclosure defined by opposing side walls, a crush entry and,        distant to the crush entry, a headbail comprising a pair of        opposing barriers;    -   wherein the headbail barriers are configured to move between an        open position that allows an animal to at least partly move        through the barriers and a closed position that imposes        sufficient force on the animal's neck positioned between the        barriers to capture the animal and prevent animal movement        forwards or backwards; and    -   multiple load cells located in varying positions about an animal        crush base, the load cells configured to sense animal weight        thereon and providing measured weight and load cell location to        a controller, the controller then calculating the animal        position on the animal crush base based on combined measured        weights and the load cell positions;    -   the measured animal position is used to identify when an animal        on the animal crush is proximate the headbail barriers and, at        this measured point, actuating the headbail barriers to move to        a closed position from a variable position to capture the animal        between the barriers.

In a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of restraining an animalvia the animal crush substantially as described above wherein, in use:

-   -   an animal is herded into a holding pen and along a race, the        race directing an animal into the animal crush;    -   as the animal enters the animal crush, the load cells sense a        change in load on the animal crush base and provide measured        weight and load cell location to a controller, the controller        then calculating the animal position on the animal crush base        based on the combined measured weights and the load cell        positions;    -   the measured animal position used to identify when an animal on        the animal crush is proximate the headbail barriers and, at this        measured point, actuating the headbail barriers to move to a        closed position from a variable position to capture the animal        between the barriers.

In one embodiment for the above aspects, the controller may receive dataon the individual animal or mob of animal characteristics to provide adatum around anticipated animal weight on the crush base.

Animal Position Sensing Generally

As noted above, as the animal attempts to exit the animal crush, one ormore sensors may automatically sense the presence of the animal and acontroller may actuate a headbail/headbail barriers thereby haltingmotion of the animal.

The animal crush may also comprise a moving side wall or walls that areactivated to bear on the animal side(s) to further restrain the animalin the animal crush. Sidewall movement may also occur in response tosensed measures of animal position.

In an alternative embodiment, as the animal attempts to exit the crush,a crush assembly may activate to squeeze the animal sideways in thecrush and a controller may then actuate a headbail/barriers to fullyrestrain the animal.

Sensing may be through simple solutions such as optical sensors that‘see’ the animal at a particular position however, positional sensingsuch as that described in the above aspects has certain advantages.

Positional Sensing

As noted above, the animal crush base may include load cells.

The load cells may be located at different points about the crush baseand have a unique location attributable to that point on the animalcrush base.

The load measured on an individual load cell may vary to the loadmeasured on other load cells depending on the position of an animal onthe animal crush base.

Post capture, the animal may be manually released from the crush, animalrelease resulting in the barriers moving to an open position.

The total weight measured may also vary across the load cells dependingon whether the animal is partly on or fully on the animal crush base. Byproviding a controller with information about load cell location andmeasured load, the controller may determine whether an animal is partlyor fully on the crush base and whereabouts the animal is on the base.

For example, if only the front legs of the animal are on the crush base,the measured load will be lower than an anticipated full weight and theload will be concentrated on a load cell or cells located about forexample, the crush entry or crush exit. Once the animal is fully on thecrush base but nearer the crush entry, load cells proximate the crushentry and mid-point of the crush base will register a greater loadingthan load cells located about the head bail barriers. Finally, as theanimal moves to the barriers, a load cell or cells about the barriersmay register a greater load and hence signal animal position about thebarriers. Measured position on the crush base may be used as signalinputs to the controller to actuate certain functions such as barrierclosing and capture of the animal therein and/or backbar actuationdescribed in earlier aspects.

Positional sensing using load cells (or load cells with other types ofsensing) may have a number of advantages over art optical only positionsensing.

Art animal crush systems may for example use multiple optical sensors(four or more) to detect animal position about the crush base. Opticalsensors are not ideal in this application since they are relativelycostlier than load cells; they are fragile and the sensors can easily bedamaged livestock and/or the sensor wiring can be damaged by livestock.The environment these sensors operate in is also potentially challengingwith dust, water, UV light and other issues inherent to an outdoorenvironment to address. Optical sensors also need to be physicallyadjusted based on livestock size to weigh reliably.

Positional weighing by contrast costs less, uses sensors already presenton an animal crush since the approach is an adaption of signals measuredfrom already present weight measuring sensors; fewer sensors may beneeded or at least fewer optical sensors needed hence greaterreliability and less potential for damage to the sensors and wiring;wiring for load cells is typically housed within the crush walls orframework hence is more robust than optical sensor wiring that is oftenexposed; position measurement and actions taken from those measurementscan be more accurate and hence provide greater overall reliability andfewer stoppages. A further advantage of positional sensing using loadcells may be that the sensed signals provide a more granular picture ofposition whereas optical sensors are a binary off/on type sensor. A moregranular view of animal position allows actuation for example ofbarriers in advance of animal movement to an optimum capture positiontherefore reducing the chance of signal lag and missing capture of themoving animal.

Post Capture and Restraint

In the above methods, once restrained, various measurements andtreatment steps may be completed. Selected examples of steps that may betaken include: measuring animal weight, determining EID, temperature,BCS; pour on gun actuation to dispense a dose to the animal, electronicinjector gun actuation to dispense one or more medicaments, andcombinations thereof.

Animal Release

In one embodiment, post capture, the animal may be manually releasedfrom the crush. Manual release may be by the user pressing a releasebutton on a controller or actuating a lever.

Release may result in the barriers moving to an open position.

In an alternative embodiment, post capture, the animal may beautomatically released from the crush.

Automatic animal release may be after a pre-determined period of timeand/or after certain operations having occurred e.g. after automated ormanual identification tag reading and weight measurement. On automaticrelease, the barriers may move to an open position.

As noted above, the barriers may define an animal crush exit that theanimals moves through. In this embodiment, the animal crush is like acorridor that the animal moves through. At least one or more gates maybe located beyond the barriers of the head bail still integral to theanimal crush. The head bail barriers need not be the final exitrestriction from the animal crush.

In an alternative embodiment, the animal crush entry may also be theanimal crush exit and when the barriers open, the animal reverses out ofthe animal crush via the animal crush entry. In this embodiment, theanimal enters forwards and exits by walking backwards from the animalcrush.

Multi-Function Animal Crush

In a seventh aspect, there is provided an animal crush comprising:

-   -   an enclosure defined by opposing side walls, an animal crush        entry and, distant to the animal crush entry, a headbail        comprising a pair of opposing barriers;    -   wherein the headbail barriers are configured to move between:        -   an open position where the barriers are open to an extent            that the barriers do not block movement of an animal through            the barriers;        -   a closed position that imposes sufficient force on the            animal's neck positioned between the barriers to capture the            animal and prevent animal movement forwards or backwards;            and        -   a variable position, the barriers separated by a variable            distance, the variable distance being a separation distance            intermediate the open and closed positions;    -   wherein the distance between the barriers in the variable        position is determined by a controller, the controller receiving        data on animal characteristics and, in response to the animal        characteristics data, setting the variable position distance        between the barriers via at least one actuator; and    -   wherein the animal crush further comprises at least one backbar        that is configured to automatically move in response to a signal        from an animal position sensor from a retracted position to an        animal urging position behind an animal to urge the animal        forwards through the animal crush towards the headbail barriers;        and    -   wherein the animal position sensor comprises multiple load cells        located in varying positions about an animal crush base, the        load cells configured to sense animal weight thereon and        providing measured weights and load cell locations to a        controller, the controller then calculating the animal position        on the animal crush base based on the combined measured weights        and load cell positions; and    -   wherein the measured animal position is used to identify when an        animal on the animal crush is proximate the headbail barriers        and, at this measured point, actuating the headbail barriers to        move to the closed position from the variable position to        capture the animal between the barriers.

In an eighth aspect, there is provided a method of restraining an animalvia the animal crush substantially as described above wherein, in use:

-   -   animal size data is provided to the controller and the        controller sets the headbail barriers to the variable position        distance between the barriers;    -   an animal is herded into a holding pen and along a race, the        race directing an animal into the animal crush;    -   as the animal enters the animal crush, the load cells sense a        change in load on the animal crush base and provide measured        weights and load cell locations to a controller, the controller        then calculating the animal position on the animal crush base        based on the combined measured weights and load cell positions;    -   the measured animal position used to:        -   actuate the backbar from a retracted position to an animal            urging position behind an animal to urge the animal forwards            through the animal crush and towards the headbail barriers;            and        -   identify when an animal on the animal crush is proximate the            headbail barriers and, at this measured point, actuating the            headbail barriers to a closed position from the variable            position to capture the animal between the barriers.

As may be appreciated, the above aspects described fully integratedbarriers, backbar operation and positional sensing. These three featuresneed not be used together and hence these aspects should not be seen aslimiting.

In one embodiment, the animal crush described in the above aspects maycomprise at least one further sensor to detect position of an animal onthe animal crush, the at least one further sensor comprising:

-   -   at least one sensor detecting animal movement about the headbail        barriers; and/or    -   at least one sensor directed about the animal crush enclosure        detecting animal movement proximate at least one backbar.

Advantages

As may be realised from the above description, the animal handlingdevices and methods described herein provide automation to otherwisemanual operations and may therefore aid in animal handling operationspotentially speeding operation, reduce labour and physical requirementsfor the handling process and increasing safety for both the operator andanimal.

The embodiments described above may also be said broadly to consist inthe parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in thespecification of the application, individually or collectively, and anyor all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features.

Further, where specific integers are mentioned herein which have knownequivalents in the art to which the embodiments relate, such knownequivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually setforth.

WORKING EXAMPLES

The above described animal handling device is now described by referenceto specific examples.

Example 1

In this example an automatic headbail barrier is described.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate perspective views of an art cattle crush andheadbail with headbail barriers in a fully open position (FIG. 1); afully closed position (FIG. 2); and in a partly closed position (FIG. 3)

The cattle crush 1 is shown from the point of view of an operatorviewing the crush exit generally noted by arrow 2. The exit 2 comprisesa pair of headbail barriers 3. The barriers 3 are mounted to the crush 1sides 4 and the barriers 3 open or close the size of the opening 5between the barriers 3. Movement of the barriers 3 between open orclosed positions is driven by an actuator 6. The barriers 3 comprise aninner edge 7 extending from the top 7 a of the barrier 3 to the bottom 7b of the barrier 3 and defining the opening 5. This elongated inner edge7 is important since animals and cattle/livestock in particular perceivea longitudinal opening like this as an exit.

Intermediate top 7 a and bottom 7 b of each barrier 3 is a bent region 8a, 8 b. The bent regions 8 a, 8 b align when the barriers 3 close,forming an opening 9 between the barriers 3. The bent regions 8 a, 8 bhave a shape and form that fits about the neck region of an animal (notshown) to be restrained. In a barrier 3 open position, the animal (notshown) can move at least their head and part of their neck through thebarriers 3. In a barrier 3 closed position, the opening 9 between thebarriers 3 narrows typically to impose sufficient force on the animalneck passing therethrough to prevent animal movement yet not so much tocause damage to the animal.

FIG. 1 shows the headbail barriers 3 in a fully open position, FIG. 2shows the headbail barriers in a fully closed position and FIG. 3 showsthe headbail barriers 3 in a partly open position.

As may be appreciated from FIG. 1, the elongated inner edges 7 of thebarriers 3 when fully open as shown in FIG. 1 define a large opening andone that is wide enough to allow almost any size animal to pass through.In practice, having an open position as shown in FIG. 1 for allscenarios is not ideal. Firstly, the amount of distance the barriers 3have to travel to ‘catch’ the animal neck inherently introduces a timedelay in restraining the animal. This time delay may too long and theanimal may be caught too late, for example about the animal shoulders.If this happens, the animal can still move their head and can thereforenot be properly restrained. The animal will need to be released andrecycled into the device another time. This is inefficient and placesadditional stress on the animal.

A fully closed position such as that shown in FIG. 2 may also not beideal for all animals since the barriers 3 may in this position impose aforce on the animal that causes harm or pain to the animal by being toonarrow.

An intermediate position such as that shown in FIG. 3 may be preferredeither for an ‘open’ position or a ‘closed’ position to address theabove problems. Creating a datum for this intermediate position usingart apparatus is often not catered for or even possible. Manual positionsetting of the barriers 3 is one option to achieve an intermediate sizeopening but this requires some operator skill and requires the presenceof a person on hand to handle the actuator.

In the art, the headbail barriers 3 may be actuated (wholly or in part)using hydraulics and associated levers manually operated by the user,the lever(s) located to one side of the device. This helps in that theoperator stands well away from the animal and barriers 3. In someembodiments, actuation of barrier 3 closing and opening may still be anessentially manual operation. Given the speed with which an animal maymove, considerable skill is required of the operator to correctly timebarrier opening and closing.

Example 2

To solve the above issues noted around manual operation, the headbailbarriers 3 may be linked to one or more sensors (not shown in FIGS.1-3). FIGS. 4-20 described further below illustrate various sensoroptions.

In one embodiment a sensor may be provided that detects the degree ofbarrier 3 separation (e.g. by sensing the position of each barrier 3).

Before animals are to be handled, information about the individualanimal size and weight or a general mob or animal's size and weight maybe used to datum the sensor and provide data to calculate an optimumvariable position and closed position. For example large bulls may havea wide variable position between the barriers 3 and a significant gapbetween the barriers still present when in the closed positioncommensurate with larger animal head nad neck size. Smaller animals,such as calves, may have a narrowed variable position and even narrowerclosed position. Being able to datum these positions animal by animal ormob by mob optimises the process of animal handling.

The distance between the barriers may be sensed for example via apotentiometer and a controller may be used to input an animalsize/weight. This data/information may be used by the controller toadjust the variable position and/or closed position to a pre-programmedpotentiometer reading.

In further embodiments, sensors may be provided to sense one or more of:animal weight, animal height, animal size, animal neck size, and thesensed information may be used as an input to the controller.

The sensors may also be used to sense the presence of an animal andautomatically cause actuation and barrier movement from an open to aclosed position. The sensor for this may again be a potentiometerbetween the barriers 3—when an animal head passes through the barriers,the electrical impendence changes and this may actuate barrier closure,often at a reaction speed far faster than a human could manage.

Example 3

In this Example, more detail is shown around the barrier positions andinteraction with potentiometer readings with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8.

FIG. 4 illustrates an animal crush 1 as viewed from a headbail end 2 ofthe animal crush 1 with the barriers 3 in a fully open position. Alsoshown on FIG. 4 separately is a dial position 200 and relatedpotentiometer relationship 300. FIG. 5 illustrates the same animal crush1 with the barriers 3 in a fully closed position. FIG. 6 illustrates thebarriers 3 in a first variable position. FIG. 7 shows the barriers 3 ina second variable position and FIG. 8 shows the barriers 3 in a thirdvariable position.

Alongside each end view shown is a dial 200 with positions labelled A toL to visually show a corresponding width of barrier 3 opening. DistanceA shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to a fully open position i.e. maximumdistance of opening between the barriers 3. Position L shown in FIG. 5illustrates a fully closed position i.e. with the barriers 3 closedtogether and minimal if any separation of the barriers 3. Positions B toK represent variable positions intermediate the fully open and fullyclosed positions that may be used as the variable position definedherein prior to capture of an animal between the headbail barriers 3.FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 illustrate examples of variable positions associatedwith positions D, F and I respectively. The representation of a dial 200to show corresponding barrier 3 position may be used in practice, forexample, as a dial 200 on the crush wall or as a dial on a remotecontroller such as a computer, phone or tablet. The dial 200 positionmay be set manually or automatically via the controller (not shown)based on sensed data about an individual animal or animals. This dial200 is however intended to be a visual prompt to illustrate barrier 3separation for the purposes of this Example and is not necessarily apart or member used typically in manufacture of the animal crush 1 i.e.the ‘dial’ 200 may be a reference point in an algorithm inherent to thecontroller and not visually seen or used by an operator.

Also shown in FIGS. 4-8 is a graph 300 with data points 310 on eachgraph 300, the data points 310 corresponding to the illustrated barrier3 separation distance A-L. The graphs 300 shown compare potentiometerposition A-L in the x-axis against measured potential in time (seconds)on the y-axis. As can be seen in FIGS. 4-8, the data point 310 movesfrom bottom left for a maximum opening position to top right for amaximum closed position. This relationship is shown by way of exampleonly to help visualise the way that the barrier 3 separation may bemeasured and how the variable position may be controlled and should notbe seen as limiting.

Using the above relationship between barrier 3 position and measuredpotential, a controller can sense and govern barrier 3 separationdistance (A-L) and set a variable position at the optimum distance basedon measured animal characteristics e.g. animal age, weight, width and soon.

Also shown in FIGS. 4-8 is a sensor 100. This sensor 100 is optional butmay detect the presence of the animal head emerging through the barriers3 and, on doing so, provide a signal to the controller. The controllermay then actuate barrier 3 closure to ‘catch’ the animal between thebarriers 3. The sensor 100 in this example may be a visual sensorhowever other types of sensor to detect movement or presence of ananimal may be used e.g. heat sensors.

Example 4

FIG. 9 illustrates a further potential embodiment of animal crush.

It is generally regarded as important in animal crush design that theanimal be securely restrained when various treatments are completed. Thecrush may include a crush wall or walls as an additional means forachieving restraint. Commensurate with this is the ability to positionthe animal correctly within the crush wall or walls which is governed byheadbail capture. If the animal is too far forwards or backwards in thecrush i.e. captured too early or too late by the headbail barriers 3,the animal may not be well restrained. In addition, once restrained,animals can sometimes have the strength or be sufficiently agitated tostill move or even escape the crush 1 by moving rearwards.

To assist with the above problem, art devices may employ a backbar thatis manually placed between the animal rear and a fixed point on thecrush 1 enclosure to block rearwards movement of the animal. The backbarin the art may be simple as a pipe or beam placed across the crush 1width to bear on the animal and which may be slid forwards to urgemovement of the animal in the device 1. Manual operation of the back baris not however ideal since it requires an operator and hence greaterlabour requirement.

A device generally indicated by arrow 20 incorporating an automatedbackbar arrangement generally indicated by arrow 21 is shown in FIG. 9.In the embodiment shown, the backbar assembly 21 may include a backbar21 a driven by a pair of linear actuators 21 b, 21 c (e.g. pneumatic,hydraulic or other linear actuators). The backbar 21 may be installedalong one side of the device 20 and rotate around (arrow 22) behind theanimal 23 as the animal 23 moves forwards in the device 20 to theheadbail 24 restrained position illustrated in FIG. 9. The back bar mayalternatively be installed to extend from the crush roof area or a pointabove the crush (not shown) or extended from the crush floor area 50.This movement may be driven by the linear actuators 21 b, 21 c.Extension of the outer linear actuator 21 c, acting against an end ofthe backbar 21 a will cause rotation 22 of the backbar 21 a behind theanimal. The two linear actuators 21 b, 21 c may then be retracted tomove the backbar 21 a forwards behind the animal.

The skilled reader will understand that more complex movement patternsare achievable by driving the two linear actuators in different manners.The skilled reader will also understand that various alternativearrangements may be possible to introduce a backbar behind the animaland then move it forwards. For example, the automated backbar 21 mayalternatively comprise a carriage or track (not shown) that moves thebackbar 21 assembly forwards (arrow 26).

The requirement for both a rotation and linear track movement may bedependent on the animal size and device size, larger animals requiringless forward movement and large devices requiring more movement of abackbar 21. Any other suitable mechanism for moving the backbar may beused.

A sensor or sensors 27 may also be used in conjunction with theautomated backbar 21 as a means to activate backbar 21 rotation and/ormovement forwards via the carriage riding on its track. The sensor 27 inthe example shown in FIG. 9 is mounted above the device 20 and activatesbackbar 21 movement as the animal 23 passes the sensor 27. Any suitablesensor technology (including e.g. optical sensors, weight sensors and soon). Other sensing methods and locations may also be used.

The backbar 21 may be operated via mechanical, pneumatic orhydraulically driven systems.

By automation of the backbar 21, the animal 23 is more efficientlyrestrained and this process step removes the requirement for a person tomanually move a backbar 21. Aside from the above advantages, automatedmovement may reduce any noise associated with the operation andtherefore reduce risk of startling or panicking the animal. Automatedmovement may also speed handling of an animal 23 as they pass throughthe device 20.

Example 5

In this Example, an alternative second embodiment of backbar device 20is described with reference to FIGS. 10-14.

FIG. 10 illustrates a plan view of the second embodiment of automaticbackbar device 20 described with a cow 400 shown entering the animalcrush 1 prior to backbar device 20 actuation. In this view, the cow haspassed the animal crush entry and is partly through the crush 1 standingon the crush base 50. The backbars 21 in this embodiment (one on eachside of the animal crush 1 mounted on the crush walls 4) are withdrawnagainst the crush 1 walls 4 and do not interfere with animal 400movement through the crush 1.

FIG. 11 illustrates the cow 400 moving forward in the animal crush 1 andbackbar 21 actuation commencing. Actuation involves actuators 21 b, 21 curging backbar 21 pivot movement from the crush 1 sides 4 to a positionbehind the animal 400. In FIG. 11, the backbars 21 are partly turned andnot fully in position.

FIG. 12 illustrates the cow 400 shown captured between headbail barriers3, the animal crush 1 backbars 21 preventing reverse movement by the cow400. The barbars 21 in this view are fully pivoted and almost fullycover the width of the animal crush 1.

FIG. 13 illustrates the cow 400 moving forwards through the headbailbarriers 3 post opening of the barriers 3, the animal crush 1 backbars21 urging movement by the cow 400 through the barriers 3. Urging in thiscase involves longitudinal movement of the backbars 21 forwards towardsthe headbail end 2 of the animal crush 1. Longitudinal movement may bealong rails 60 located on either side of the animal crush 1 driven by aram or other actuator. During longitudinal movement, the backbars 21remain in an animal crush 1 closed (non-retracted) position behind theanimal 400. This causes the backbars 21 to bear on the animal 400 andpush the animal 400 forwards.

FIG. 14 illustrates the cow 400 shown exiting the animal crush 1, theanimal crush 1 backbars 21 in a maximum forwards positionlongitudinally. At this point, the backbars may be returned to a startposition shown in FIG. 10 through reversal of the above movements.

Backbar 21 movement noted above may be actuated via one or more sensors.The sensors may be positional sensors based on position on the crushbase described further below in Example 6 or may be via other sensors.FIGS. 10-14 shown schematically an overhead sensor 27 that senses animalmovement and which may be used to actuate back bar movement. Theoverhead sensor 27 may be a visual sensor although other types of sensormay also be used.

Example 6

In this Example, an embodiment of positional sensing is described usingload cells 210 with reference to FIGS. 15-20. Positional sensing refersto use of sensors, in this example being load cells 210 to determinewhether an animal 400 is on the crush base 50 and if so, where theanimal 400 is located on the crush base 50. In addition, positionalsensing may be used to detect the presence of more than one animal 400on the crush base 50 and where the additional animal 400 is located.Load cells 210 in or about a crush base 50 are routinely used formeasurement of animal 400 weight, weight measurement being a routinetest. Differences may exist in the load measured by an individual loadcell 210 and when those differences are measured alongside other loadcells 210 and in conjunction with load cell location, a controller cancalculate animal 400 position on the crush base 50. Knowing animal 400position may be used to actuate various crush 1 operations such as:backbar 21 movement; headbail barrier 3 capture and opening; crush 1entry gate opening and closing; operations undertaken automatically whenan animal has been captured by the headbail such as automated medicamentapplication and so on.

FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic side view of an animal 400 positionalsensor system with no animal 400 on the crush base 50. In this scenario,the crush base 50 or scale is effectively zeroed. Note that two loadcells 210 are shown however more load cells 210 may be used particularlywhere location sensitive points are reached on the crush base 50. Inthis scenario, the position is given a score of 0 and the animal 400weight is 0 kg since no load is on the crush base 50.

FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic side view of an animal 400 positionalsensor system with an animal 400 mounting the crush base 50. In thisscenario, the animal 400 has two front legs on the crush base 50, therear legs not yet on the crush base 50. This position introduces asignificant load on the first load cell 210 and a lower load on the moredistant load cell 210. In this example, the position may be given ascore of −100 and the weight a mid-weight of 20 (being half the weightof an average sheep 400).

FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic side view of an animal 400 positionalsensor system with an animal 400 on the crush base 50 and a secondanimal 400 ‘tail gating’ the first animal 400. In this scenario, a tailgating second animal 400 is partly stepping onto the crush base 50. Thescore allocated may be a position of −50 and a weight of 60 kg. In thiscircumstance, the weight would be higher than expected (1.5 sheep) andthe offset in position would indicate to a controller the presence of asecond animal 400 and the tail gating position of that animal 400.Measures could be taken in this scenario such as automatic actuation ofa gate or obstruction to block the second animal 400 and/or an alarmissue to call for an operator to separate the tail gating sheep 400.

FIG. 18 illustrates a schematic side view of an animal 400 positionalsensor system with an animal 400 centred on the crush base 50. In thisscenario, with the animal 400 centred, the load on the respective loadcells 210 may be balanced hence given a score of 0 and a weight measuredbeing the true weight of the animal 400, in the Figure shown as 40 kg.This balanced position may be a moment at which the animal 400 weightmay be measured. Note that this balanced point need not be centrallylocated on the crush base 50. In this Figure, only two opposing loadcells 210 are shown hence a mid-point between the two load cells 210would be a suitable balanced location for weight measurement. Were moreload cells 210 used at other locations on the crush base 50, otherpositions of the animal 400 along the crush base 50 may be balancedpoints that may be used for measurement of true animal 400 weight.

FIG. 19 illustrates a schematic side view of an animal 400 positionalsensor system with an animal 400 exiting the crush base 50 and a nextanimal 400 on the crush base 50. In this scenario, the position scoremay be −50 and the weight 60 kg being 1.5 animals 400. From thesemeasurements, the controller could determine the presence of more thanone animal 400 on the crush base 50 and could determine the positions ofthe animals 400 based on the varied/uneven load measurement on the loadcells 210.

FIG. 20 illustrates a schematic side view of an animal 400 positionalsensor system with an animal 400 exiting the crush base 50. In thiscase, the position may be −100 and weight 20 kg but with the loadpredominantly on the exit end load cell 210.

Example 7

In this example, a typical method of use of the crush 1 is described.

In use, animals 400 such as cattle may be herded into a holding pen andalong a race, where automatically controlled barriers prevent theanimals 400 from moving backwards. The race may lead the animals 400into a crush with an automatic entry door. The animal 400 enters thecrush 1 through the entry barrier and may be urged forwards via abackbar device 20 such as the automated backbar described in Example 4or Example 5 above.

In one embodiment, as the animal 400 attempts to exit the crush 1 theanimal 400 position is sensed and the barriers 3 catch the animal 400thereby halting motion of the animal 400.

Optionally, the animal crush 1 further restrains animal 400 movement inthe crush 1 by use of a wall or other member or members that move tobear against the side of the animal (not shown). Bearing on the animalside(s) may occur before capture of the animal head and neck in theheadbail barriers 3 or after capture in the headbail barriers 3.

The headbail may also comprise an automatic head position adjustor toalter the head opening position between the barriers 3. Adjustment maybe up or down (not shown) to move the yoke position of the barriers 3and address animal height differences.

Once restrained, various measurements and treatment steps may be taken.For example, the crush 1 may incorporate a weigh scale and EID readerpanel to measure animal 400 identity and weight, an automatic pour ongun mounted on a rail above the animal may then dispense a weight baseddose down the length of the animal's 400 back, additional electronicinjector guns may be used for other medicaments, the guns incommunication with a smart device and the dose size, medicament andweight recorded against the animal EID. Post treatment, the animal 400may then be manually or automatically released from the crush. Animals400 may be released or may be directed into an automatic drafting devicewhere the animals are drafted as required into holding pens.

Aspects of the animal handling device have been described by way ofexample only and it should be appreciated that modifications andadditions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of theclaims herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An animal crush comprising: an enclosure definedby opposing side walls, an animal crush entry and, distant to the animalcrush entry, a headbail comprising a pair of opposing barriers; whereinthe headbail barriers are configured to move between: a fully openposition where the barriers are open to an extent that the barriers donot block movement of an animal through the barriers; a closed positionthat imposes sufficient force on the animal's neck positioned betweenthe barriers to capture the animal and prevent animal movement forwardsor backwards; and a variable position, the barriers separated by avariable distance, the variable distance being a separation distanceintermediate the open and closed positions; wherein the distance betweenthe barriers in the variable position is determined by a controller, thecontroller receiving data on animal characteristics and, in response tothe animal characteristic data, setting the variable position barrierseparation distance via at least one actuator; and when an animal issensed proximate the headbail barriers, the controller causes actuationof the barriers to close from the variable position to the closedposition to capture the animal within the headbail barriers.
 2. Theanimal crush as claimed in claim 1 wherein, in the variable position,the barrier separation distance is equal to or greater than the width ofan animal head and equal to or less than the width of the animalshoulders.
 3. The animal crush as claimed in claim 1 wherein, thebarrier separation distance in the variable position varies between eachanimal based on measured individual animal characteristics selectedfrom: animal shape; animal size; animal age; animal species; animalweight; animal sex; animal body condition score (BCS); animal ID tag;and combinations thereof.
 4. The animal crush as claimed in claim 1wherein, the barrier separation distance in the variable position variesbetween each mob of animals based on measured mob animal characteristicsselected from: animal shape; animal size; animal age; animal species;animal weight; animal sex; animal body condition score (BCS); animal IDtag; and combinations thereof.
 5. The animal crush as claimed in claim 1wherein the distance between the barriers in the open and/or closedand/or variable positions is sensed via a potentiometer and thecontroller adjusts the open position, and/or variable position, and/orclosed position to a pre-programmed potentiometer reading correspondingto the required barrier position.
 6. A method of restraining an animalvia the animal crush as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in use: animalcharacteristics data is provided to the controller and the controllersets the headbail barriers to the variable position; an animal is herdedinto a holding pen and along a race, the race directing an animal intothe animal crush; the animal enters the animal crush and, when proximatethe barriers, the controller causes actuation of the barriers to closefrom the variable position to the closed position to capture the animalwithin the headbail barriers.
 7. An animal crush comprising: anenclosure defined by opposing side walls, a crush entry and, distant tothe crush entry, a headbail comprising a pair of opposing barriers;wherein the headbail barriers are configured to move between an openposition that allows an animal to at least partly move through thebarriers and a closed position that imposes sufficient force on theanimal's neck positioned between the barriers to capture the animal andprevent animal movement forwards or backwards; and at least one backbar,the backbar or backbars configured to automatically move in response toa signal from an animal position sensor from a retracted position to ananimal urging position behind an animal to urge the animal forwardsthrough the animal crush towards the headbail barriers.
 8. The animalcrush as claimed in claim 7 wherein the at least one backbar in theretracted position is located on a or the side wall or walls of theanimal crush.
 9. The animal crush as claimed in claim 7 wherein, in aretracted position, the at least one backbar does not interfere withmovement of an animal past the retracted at least one backbar.
 10. Theanimal crush as claimed in claim 7 wherein the at least one backbar isconfigured to move along the animal crush longitudinal axis while the atleast one backbar is in an animal urging position and/or while the atleast one backbar moves to the animal urging position.
 11. The animalcrush as claimed in claim 7 wherein one or more sensors activate the atleast one backbar to move from the retracted position to the animalurging position, the one or more sensors being mounted above the crushand detecting animal movement below the one or more sensors.
 12. Theanimal crush as claimed in claim 7 wherein the animal crush comprisestwo backbars, each backbar mounted about the walls of the animal crushand configured to move in synchronisation together to urge the animalforwards.
 13. A method of restraining an animal via the animal crush asclaimed in claim 7 wherein, in use: an animal is herded into a holdingpen and along a race, the race directing an animal into the animalcrush; as the animal enters the animal crush the animal sensor sensesanimal movement and actuates movement of the backbar from the retractedposition to the animal urging position.
 14. An animal crush comprising:an enclosure defined by opposing side walls, a crush entry and, distantto the crush entry, a headbail comprising a pair of opposing barriers;wherein the headbail barriers are configured to move between an openposition that allows an animal to at least partly move through thebarriers and a closed position that imposes sufficient force on theanimal's neck positioned between the barriers to capture the animal andprevent animal movement forwards or backwards; and multiple load cellslocated in varying positions about an animal crush base, the load cellsconfigured to sense animal weight thereon and providing measured weightand load cell location to a controller, the controller then calculatingthe animal position on the animal crush base based on combined measuredweights and the load cell positions; the measured animal position isused to identify when an animal on the animal crush is proximate theheadbail barriers and, at this measured point, actuating the headbailbarriers to move to a closed position from a variable position tocapture the animal between the barriers.
 15. The animal crush as claimedin claim 14 wherein the controller receives data on the individualanimal or mob of animal characteristics to provide a datum aroundanticipated animal weight on the crush base.
 16. A method of restrainingan animal via the animal crush as claimed in claim 14 wherein, in use:an animal is herded into a holding pen and along a race, the racedirecting an animal into the animal crush; as the animal enters theanimal crush, the load cells sense a change in load on the animal crushbase and provide measured weight and load cell location to a controller,the controller then calculating the animal position on the animal crushbase based on the combined measured weights and the load cell positions;the measured animal position used to identify when an animal on theanimal crush is proximate the headbail barriers and, at this measuredpoint, actuating the headbail barriers to move to a closed position froma variable position to capture the animal between the barriers.
 17. Ananimal crush as claimed in claim 1 wherein, post capture, the animal ismanually released from the crush, animal release resulting in thebarriers moving to an open position.
 18. An animal crush as claimed inclaim 1 wherein, post capture, the animal is automatically released fromthe crush, automatic animal release occurring after a predeterminedperiod of time and/or after certain operations having occurred, releaseresulting in the barriers moving to an open position.
 19. An animalcrush comprising: an enclosure defined by opposing side walls, an animalcrush entry and, distant to the animal crush entry, a headbailcomprising a pair of opposing barriers; wherein the headbail barriersare configured to move between: an open position where the barriers areopen to an extent that the barriers do not block movement of an animalthrough the barriers; a closed position that imposes sufficient force onthe animal's neck positioned between the barriers to capture the animaland prevent animal movement forwards or backwards; and a variableposition, the barriers separated by a variable distance, the variabledistance being a separation distance intermediate the open and closedpositions; wherein the distance between the barriers in the variableposition is determined by a controller, the controller receiving data onanimal characteristics and, in response to the animal characteristicsdata, setting the variable position distance between the barriers via atleast one actuator; and wherein the animal crush further comprises atleast one backbar that is configured to automatically move in responseto a signal from an animal position sensor from a retracted position toan animal urging position behind an animal to urge the animal forwardsthrough the animal crush towards the headbail barriers; and wherein theanimal position sensor comprises multiple load cells located in varyingpositions about an animal crush base, the load cells configured to senseanimal weight thereon and providing measured weights and load celllocations to a controller, the controller then calculating the animalposition on the animal crush base based on the combined measured weightsand load cell positions; and wherein the measured animal position isused to identify when an animal on the animal crush is proximate theheadbail barriers and, at this measured point, actuating the headbailbarriers to move to the closed position from the variable position tocapture the animal between the barriers.
 20. The animal crush as claimedin claim 19 wherein the animal crush comprises at least one furthersensor to detect position of an animal on the animal crush, the at leastone further sensor comprising: at least one sensor detecting animalmovement about the headbail barriers; and/or at least one sensordirected about the animal crush enclosure detecting animal movementproximate at least one backbar.
 21. A method of restraining an animalvia the animal crush as claimed in claim 19 wherein, in use: animal sizedata is provided to the controller and the controller sets the headbailbarriers to the variable position distance between the barriers; ananimal is herded into a holding pen and along a race, the race directingan animal into the animal crush; as the animal enters the animal crush,the load cells sense a change in load on the animal crush base andprovide measured weights and load cell locations to a controller, thecontroller then calculating the animal position on the animal crush basebased on the combined measured weights and load cell positions; themeasured animal position used to: actuate the backbar from a retractedposition to an animal urging position behind an animal to urge theanimal forwards through the animal crush and towards the headbailbarriers; and identify when an animal on the animal crush is proximatethe headbail barriers and, at this measured point, actuating theheadbail barriers to a closed position from the variable position tocapture the animal between the barriers.